Do You Have a Vehicle Older Than 15 Years? You won’t get fuel at Delhi Petrol Pumps
Delhi is stepping up its fight against air pollution with stricter measures targeting older vehicles and industrial emissions. Starting April 1, 2025, petrol pumps in the capital will refuse fuel to vehicles older than 15 years, a move announced by Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa during a high-level meeting on Saturday. This decision is part of a broader strategy to curb pollution levels in one of the world’s most polluted cities.
Petrol vehicles over 15 years old and diesel vehicles over 10 years old have already been banned from plying on Delhi’s roads for several years. However, the new rule ensures stricter enforcement by cutting off their fuel supply. Delhi has an estimated 1 lakh such end-of-life vehicles, which can still be sold in other states after obtaining No-Objection Certificates (NOCs).
To implement this rule effectively, the Delhi government plans to upgrade AI-enabled cameras at fuel stations. These cameras, currently used to detect vehicles without Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, will be enhanced to identify vehicles based on their age. Fuel pumps without such systems will soon be equipped with the necessary technology.
In addition to targeting older vehicles, the government has mandated the installation of anti-smog guns in high-rise buildings, hotels, and commercial complexes. This measure aims to reduce dust and particulate matter, which are significant contributors to Delhi’s poor air quality.
Sirsa also criticized the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for allegedly failing to address pollution issues and underutilizing allocated funds. “The last government didn’t take steps to reduce water and air pollution. Funds worth thousands of crores were left unutilized,” he said.
The meeting, which lasted over three hours, focused on three key pollution sources: dust, vehicles, and construction activities. The government plans to tackle these issues through measures like sprinklers, plantation drives involving Delhi University students, and identifying major polluting organizations. Additionally, barren lands will be transformed into new forests to improve air quality.
In a significant push toward sustainable transport, the Delhi government aims to phase out nearly 90% of CNG-driven public transport buses by December 2025, replacing them with electric buses. By 2026, Delhi plans to have 11,000 buses, including around 8,000 e-buses, on its roads. The procurement of 3,680 e-buses is expected to be completed by September this year, encouraging residents to opt for cleaner public transport options.
With these measures, Delhi is taking a multi-pronged approach to combat air pollution, ensuring a healthier environment for its residents.
